Hello and welcome once again to the weekend re-cap with an attitude, Central PA Racing Scene. What a weekend we saw here in the area. Youth was served on our local race tracks Friday and Saturday night. We saw the second female 358 winner (I think), not to mention 3 first time winners, 2 on Friday night. We had 1 driver clean house at Williams Grove, only to see the top 2 not change at all in both races. We also saw the start of the busiest week in Central Pa with Speed week starting at Lincoln Speedway with a familiar looking car in victory lane as a tribute to the late Kevin Gobrecht, and my first trip to Bedford last night for night 2 of speed week.

First things first here are the updated Central PA Racing Scene 358 points presented by Delco Signs. Before we get to the run down, I wanted to let you all know that we are working on more prizes for the race teams, and I should have some more prizes to announce here in the next week or two. Now here is the entire run down of the points chase.

1. Blane Heimbach        360 pts  (1 win)
2. Billy Dietrich        291 pts
3. Nate Snyder           284 pts
4. Dale Hammaker         281 pts  (1 win)
5. Tim Wagaman           259 pts
6. Jeff Rohrbaugh        255 pts  (3 wins)
7. Kyle Moody            229 pts  (2 wins)
8. Pat Cannon            219 pts  (3 wins)
9. Phil Walter           209 pts
10.Scott Geesey          205 pts

11.Brad McClelland       203 pts  (3 wins)
12.TJ Stutts             203 pts
13.Eric Tomecek          175 pts  (1 win)
14.Joe Trone Jr          171 pts  (1 win)
15.Scott Flammer         166 pts  (2 wins)
16.Cory Haas             164 pts  (1 win)
17.Matt Heimbach         155 pts
18.Logan Schuhart        149 pts  (1 win)
19.Mike Walter           133 pts
20.Austin Reed           132 pts
21.Glenndon Forsythe     129 pts  (1 win)
22.Jason Clauss          126 pts
23.Nicole Bower          119 pts  (1 win)
24.Mike Bittinger        113 pts  (1 win)
25.Gerard McIntyre Jr    111 pts  (1 win)
26.Colby Womer           111 pts
27.Frankie Herr          108 pts  (1 win)
28.Adrian Shaffer        100 pts  (2 wins)
29.Aaron Ott             100 pts
30.Jeff Furlong           96 pts
31.Tim Berkheimer         94 pts
32.Davie Franek           90 pts
33.Jason Shultz           89 pts  (1 win)
34.Keith Prutzman         89 pts
35.Danny Dietrich         87 pts
36.Chad Criswell          84 pts  (1 win)
37.Jordan Frontz          80 pts  (1 win)
38.Matt Horst             73 pts
39.Joey Borich            72 pts  (1 win)
40.Doug Hammaker          72 pts
41.Mark Freeland          72 pts
42.Billy Johns            65 pts
43.Jay Galloway           62 pts
44.Shane Smith            62 pts
45.Matt Boland            60 pts
46.Jessie Morrison        59 pts
47.Ricky Stonebraker      52 pts
48.Nate Hammaker          51 pts
49.John Barnett           50 pts
50.Elvin Diller           48 pts
51.Randy Davis            46 pts
52.Randy Whisler          40 pts
53.Kevin Nagy             36 pts
54.Dave Calaman           35 pts
55.Jason Cherry           32 pts
56.Nyle Burkes            32 pts
57.Amy Ott                30 pts
58.Derek Locke            28 pts
59.Steve Fannasy          28 pts
60.Mike Ressler           28 pts
61.Mark Manier, Jr.       28 pts
62.Chris Borich           26 pts
63.Cliff Brian            25 pts
64.Jack Thornton          24 pts
65.Brie Hershey           20 pts
66.Nick Palmerino         20 pts
67.Duane Mausteller       18 pts
68.Todd Rittenhouse Jr.   16 pts
69.Zach Shive Euculano    16 pts
70.Todd Reed              16 pts
71.Brian Garland          16 pts
72.Joel VanBuskirk        14 pts
73.Ryan Kissinger         14 pts
74.Chris Shuttlesworth    14 pts
75.Craig Laudermilch      12 pts
76.Jessica Anderson       12 pts
77.Kyle Pruitt            12 pts
78.Brian Nornhold         12 pts
79.George Streaker, Jr.   12 pts
80.Brian Bruckner         10 pts
81.Jay Reichard           10 pts
82.Tony Smolenyak         10 pts


What a list of drivers. We did have a little shake up again this week as 2nd ,3rd and 4th place all switched places this week, while 5th and 6th place drivers are hanging on strong even though they had a bad night at Trail Way Speedway. The man on the move though is Pat Cannon, as he has moved up to 8th in just a little over a month of racing. The guy definitely should be in a 410 sprinter.

A few quick news shorts....

Keith Kauffman has been tapped to drive the 27 sprinter for the injured Sean Michael. Keith will be a force know, as he has to be looking for some retribution towards his former team after what went down with the 7 team.

358 sprint car driver Nathan Berwager has new T-shirts for sale this season. They are $15 and will be on sale at all the tracks that Nathan races at.

Local driver Stevie Smith won the Ohio Speed week. Stevie who won the Florida Speedweek title  and The Keystone Cup Speed week back I at the end of May, just might be the man to beat for the Speed week crown, even though he missed the first race of the series at Lincoln because of running in Ohio. I would not bet against him.

Now on to the racing action. Friday night saw history made here at the Central Pa race tracks. We saw two drivers at two separate race tracks pick up their first ever wins at their respective race tracks. The one swept both the 410 and the 360 sprint car features. The kicker is they are both under the age of 18.

Aaron Ott won his first 410 sprint car race of his career at Williams Grove Speedway. Ott started fourth and took the lead from Bob Bennett on the first  lap of the feature and held off a hard charging Brain Montieth (who started 15th) . Aaron who lead every lap saw “The Edge” make a try at a last corner pass as he slid up in front of the youngster, but Aaron turned the car left and the two drivers drag raced to the checkered flag with the Don Ott racing engine keeping Aaron out in front at the line by inches. Aaron the 17 year old senior at Bermudian Spring High School this upcoming school year would have even more to celebrate in just a short while. Finishing 3rd was Don Kreitz, Jr. (Who backed up his win from last week) Fred Rahmer and Alan Krimes rounding out the top 5. 6th through 10th where Todd Shaffer, 7th . Doug Esh, 8th. Chris Meleason,  9th. Doug Dodson, and 10th. Mark Smith.
 
Doug Esh earned The Coliseum Hard Charger award after advancing from 21st to 7th, while heats where won by Dodson, Bob Bennett and A.J. Michael.  The consolation race went to Mike Erdley.

In the 25 lap URC feature event Aaron Ott would once again take the lead early and would go on to post his second win of the night. Aaron would have to hold off the charge from a familiar foe on this night as 14th starting Brian Montieth would catch Aaron at the end but could not make the pass. Aaron would pick up$7,250 for his two wins on the night.  The top 2 from both features stayed the same with The Coliseum's. Hard Charger Award going to 3rd place finisher Cory Haas who started 22nd. 4th was once again Fred Rahmer while 5th went to J. J. Grasso. 6th through 10th where Michael Carber, Phil Walter, Curt Michael, Davey Sammons, and Nicole Bower. Heats where won by Davey Sammons, Blane Heimbach, Josh Weller and Nick Schlauch, Jr, with Brett Schoenly winning  the B-main. Michael Carber set fast time with a lap of 17.868.

Down the road a little bit at Trail Way Speedway 16 year old Logan Schuchart would use lap traffic to his advantage and go on to post his first career 358 sprint car win. Logan who started 4th in the feature line up watched as pole sitter Nick Palmerino lead the first 3 laps before youngster Jessie Morrison could make the pass on Nick and take over the point. Jessie would run the race of her life leading the next 19 laps. Jessie made a move coming out of turn two that personally made my jaw drop, as she had two lapped cars racing each other side by side in turns 1 and 2 and Jessie made a bold move on the outside to pass both lapped cars and keep 2nd place Schuchart behind here. As the race on Logan would press Jessie driving hard into each corner trying to make Jessie bobble just a bit, but Jessie would not flinch and would drive away each time exiting the corner. The downfall came on lap 23 as the two youngsters where coming out of turn 4 for the whit flag Jessie got hung up behind a lap car and Logan was able to squeeze inside og her on the front stretch and would go on to lead the last lap and pick up the win. It was a great race on a great racing surface as Trail Way had no dust what so ever and had the track smooth and fast for the drivers. Following Jessie in 3rd was Billy Dietrich 4th was Mike Bittinger and 5th was Dale Hammaker. Rounding out the top 10 where Brad McClelland, Joe Trone Jr, Danny Dietrich, Doug Hammaker and Shane Smith. Points leader Tim Wagaman would have his first bad night of the season and take a hit in the points as he would drop out and finish 23rd while the defending track champion Jeff Rohrbaugh would see his race (and motor) go up in smoke on lap nine of the feature and finish 24th. Heats where won by Jessie Morrison, Jeff Rohrbaugh, and Brad McClelland. Randy Whisler would pick up the B-main, and Billy Dietrich would pick up the hard charger award.

Saturday night at Port Royal Speedway they had the 358 sprint cars on hand. We once again had a first time winner as Nicole Bower would go on to pick up her first career 358 sprint car win. I believe she is the second woman to pick up a win in the division. Nicole would take the win over Jason Clauss , Billy Dietrich, Cliff Brian and Keith Prutzman. Rounding out the top 10 where Mark Freeland, Brian Garland, Jason Cherry, George Streaker, Jr. and Jack Thornton. Heat winners for the 17 cars on hand where won by Nate Hammaker and Jordan Frontz.

Right down the road at Selinsgrove Speedway Pat Cannon continued his winning ways since returning to the Highlands Tire Service No. 3 car as Pat would post his 3rd win in 4 races at the big fast half mile. Pat who picked up his 13 career win at the track won $1,500 for his effort Saturday night. Second-place starter Chuck Paige powered into the lead at the start of the
sprint car feature. When two time winner Scott Flammer stopped in turn two on lap nine it would give Matt Horst a chance to make the pass on the leader on the restart. Matt would lead the next 6 laps until 12th starting Cannon made the winning move on Horst coming out of turn four on the 15th lap. Pat would go on to lead the rest of the way taking the win over a hard charging Nate Snyder and hard charging Matt Heimbach. Horst and Colby Womer rounded out the top 5. 6th through 10th where Phil Walter, Nyle Berkes, Mike Walter, Blane Heimbach, Davie Franek. Heats where won by Ryan Kissinger, Chuck Paige, Pat Cannon.

At Lincoln Speedway they has the start of the 19th annual Pennsylvania Sprint Speedweek with the Kevin Gobrecht Memorial. The race honoring the late Kevin Gobrecht saw the winners car painted like Kevins car that he was killed in, in 1999. The paint job carried by the Jerry Parish owned 21 driven by “The Edge” Brian Montieth would end up in victory lane at the end of the night just like the late Kevin Gobrecht would on numerous occasions. Brian picked up his 5th win of the season, would start the race on the pole and would lead every lap of the race. 10th starting Cody Darrah would make his move through the field and before long we had the Montieth-Darrah show once again. These two racers have been the class of the field the past month as they are both in the hunt every week for the win. Darrah would have to settle for 2nd on this night as the Premier Motorsports car would not be denied a chance to put the car invictory lane. The team won the $7,000 top prize for the win with Darrah 2nd ,Greg Hodnett 3rd , Doug Esh 4th and Fred Rahmer coming home in 5th. Rounding out the top 10 where Chad Layton, Jim Siegel, Mark Smith, Johnny Mackison Jr and Justin Henderson. Heat winners where Greg Hodnett, Niki Young, Danny Dietrich and Fred Rahmer. The B Main was won by Alan Krimes who also set quick time with a lap of 13.337 seconds.

Sunday night the 2009 Pennsylvania Speedweek Series headed west to Bedford Speedway for round two of the series. This was my first time at the track, and I must say that it was a cool track. I liked the way it was laid out, not to mention the old style covered grand stands. I hope to make it back next year for the speed week show.

The racing action was good on the fast, smooth, and dust free surface. The track crew did one hell of a job getting the new clay in top shape for the race after they had a show on Friday night. Starting the night off with fast time was the 2009 Ohio Speedweek champion Stevie Smith who had a lap of 16.597 which set a new 1 lap track record at the track. The feature saw Chad Kemenah who was making his first start in the 35 car recently vacated by Allen Cole, start on the pole and lead the first 20 laps as 5th starting Stevie Smith was making his move. Stevie had a great battle with Fred Rahmer for the first part of the race as the two veteran drivers where putting on a show as they raced for the 4th and 5th spot sliding each other and racing hard. As Kemenah was pulling out to a healthy lead, Stevie finally got rid of Fred and started to make his move. He blew by Chad Layton, Greg Hodnett, and then finally Kemenah all on the high side as the Zemco Speed Shop number 1 was a car upon itself. After getting by Kemenah for the lead on lap 20 he set sail on the field. Kemenah would finish the race in 2nd, Chad Layton would come home 3rd, Hodnett 4th and Cody Darrah 5th. Rounding out the top 10 where Ed Lynch Jr., Mark Smith, Daryn Pittman,  Justin Henderson and Keith Kauffman.

Stevie is the man right now and he would go on to show through the night that just because he missed the opening night, he will be a treat for the championship by the time the teams hit Selinsgrove on Sunday night. Heats for the 28 cars on hand where won by Adam Wilt, Keith Kauffman, and Justin Henderson. Bob Bennett won the B Main.

This week will be very busy for the teams as the Speed week has tonight off, then it is 6 races in 6 days. Tuesday night they make their way to Grandview, Wednesday they are at Hagerstown, Thursday and Friday they are at Williams Grove. Saturday night it is Port Royal Speedway with the finally coming Sunday night at Selinsgrove Speedway. I am going to go out on a limb and pick either the leader of the points right now the 22 of Gregg Hodnett or the 1 of Stevie Smith to win the point title. (Yeah I know big limb when I pick 2 drivers right, but Stevie is my long shot to win it all even after missing the first race.)

That is not all the racing action that is happening in the area. Friday night Trail Way Speedway has the Summer Challenge for the 358 sprints sponsored by Miller Racing Products. The race will be paying $1,200 to win and is the 3rd big paying race of the season at Trail Ways Speedway. The little bull ring has been doing all they can to get the teams to support the track with these extra paying shows, lets hope the 358 teams start to take notice and start showing support for the track.

Saturday night there is 2 tracks who have the 358 sprints as the headline division. Lincoln will have the 358's along with the super sportsman and two 358 late model features. That is one hell of a bang for the buck. I believe that is where I will be on Satuday night. At Selinsgrove they have the Firecracker 30 for the 358 sprint cars. It is a T/T show for them.

Well that is it for this week. I hope that you all get out there and show some support for the Pa Speed week shows that are left on the schedule. 6 more races left this week , but don’t forget that there is an alternative to the higher priced 410 shows as the 358 tracks have a lower admission price and put on just as good of a show. Either way I hope you all have a great and wonderful holiday week. Enjoy the races and please be safe over the July 4th holiday weekend.

As always if you have something you would like to share you can reach me at boogermac420@inbox.com. This is Bill McIntyre III and I will see you all on Tuesday night at Grandview, Thursday night at the Grove, Friday night at Trail Way, and Saturday night at Lincoln.......Like Godsmack said..... NO REST FOR THE WICKED BABY!!!!!


BILL McIntyre III